Transforming Spaces

Preschool teachers are really good at improvising. They do it all the time, designing and creating their own teaching materials when commercial resources do not meet the needs of the learning objectives. So when you put together a bunch of teachers, a problem to solve, a surfeit of carton boxes waiting to be disposed and some leftover paint, then once in a while you end up with a pleasant surprise that smells of flowers.

Problem Statement: A small split level in the main hall with 2 steps that could potentially become an accident area for young children.

Materials: Disposed carton boxes from our earlier furniture delivery. And leftover paint.

This is the bigger of 2 stacks of carton boxes. Anyone who knows anyone who is doing collections for charity can come and pick up these items.

Solution: Create a physical barrier that will deter children from playing on the steps.

Manpower: Creative preschool teachers with decent aesthetic sense.

First, trim the carton box into desired shape.

Next, apply first coat of paint while discussing the deeper meaning of life. Or maybe decide what to order for lunch. Apply second coat if necessary.

Result: A wonderfully creative solution that solves the problem and transforms what was originally a cold, hard environment into a moderately pleasant living and learning space. You can almost smell the flowers. And it fits in perfectly with our educational theme of Plants for the month of May.

Surely there are not that many jobs in the world where you come to work in the morning only to discover that flowers have grown overnight in the workplace. Even if they're just plastic.

There is even a little gate that is secured shut by velcro. But if you think that this is as good as it gets, you'll be in for a surprise when you visit.